Pitch your idea
Present your startup concept to experienced industry professionals who have built and funded real companies. Get genuine, high-value feedback that sharpens your thinking and strengthens your idea.
Internationally recognized · Open to students worldwide
Where student founders build beyond the pitch.
Ventura is a global virtual pitch competition for high school students. Present your startup idea to industry professionals, sharpen your thinking through expert workshops, and compete for prize funding and real-world support to launch your venture.
Registration opens May 25, 2026 — not yet accepting applications
- 🌍 Open Globally Students from every country are welcome to compete
- 🏆 Prize Funding Top teams win money, mentorship & launch support
- 🎓 Grades 9–12 Built exclusively for high school students
Benefits
Pitch. Connect. Win big.
More than a competition — Ventura is a launchpad for the next generation of founders to develop real skills, build lasting connections, and get recognized on a global stage.
Build connections
Network with mentors, investors, and driven peers from around the world. The relationships you build at Ventura can open doors far beyond the competition itself.
Win big
Top teams receive prize funding, professional mentorship, and ongoing connections to help launch their venture. This is where student ideas become real businesses.
Competition Process
Five steps from idea to investor-ready.
Ventura is designed to take you from a rough concept to a polished, professional pitch — with expert guidance every step of the way.
01
Register & Submit
Form your team, choose a name, and submit your base startup idea. You can refine it later — just complete registration before the May 25 deadline to secure your spot.
02
Attend Workshops
Join live workshops throughout June led by industry professionals. Refine your idea, receive expert feedback, and develop your skills as a founder in a hands-on environment.
03
Build Your Pitch
Create a 3–5 minute video showcasing your startup using the Ventura Framework. Prepare your pitch deck and submit all final materials before the July 1 deadline.
04
Face the Judges
Industry professionals evaluate every submission on innovation, market fit, feasibility, and overall impact. Only the strongest and most original ideas advance to the finals.
05
Winners Take Off
Top teams receive prize funding, professional mentorship, and ongoing connections with industry leaders to help launch their venture into the real world.
Timeline
Mark your calendar.
Every important date from registration to the winners announcement. Don't miss your window to compete on the global stage.
Registration Opens
Applications go live. Form your team and secure your spot in the competition.
Coming SoonWorkshop Month
Attend expert-led sessions to sharpen your idea, get mentorship, and develop your pitch skills.
Submissions Due
Final pitch video and all supporting materials must be submitted by midnight on July 1.
Semi-Finalists Announced
Advancing teams are notified and moved forward to the final stage of judging.
Finalists & Winners
Final teams are revealed. Top ventures win prize funding, mentorship, and professional support.
🏆 Prize DayGet Involved
More ways to be part of Ventura.
Whether you want to support the next generation of founders or gain hands-on experience running an international competition, there is a place for you here.
Become a Sponsor
Support ambitious high school founders competing on a global stage. Sponsoring Ventura puts your organization in front of the most driven young entrepreneurs from around the world — and directly funds the prizes and resources that make this competition possible.
Contact Us to SponsorJoin as an Intern
Gain real-world experience by helping organize and run an internationally recognized competition. Intern roles span event coordination, outreach, social media, and more. Build your resume while making a real impact on student founders worldwide.
Apply for InternshipFAQ
Your questions, answered.
Everything you need to know before you register for Ventura 2026.
Who is eligible to compete?
Any high school student in grades 9–12 from any country in the world is welcome to register and compete. Ventura is open globally and completely free to enter.
How many students can be on a team?
Teams of 2–5 members are strongly encouraged. Solo participants may also register, but are encouraged to collaborate with classmates or peers from their school or community.
What is the Ventura Framework?
The Ventura Framework is a structured approach to building a startup pitch that covers the problem, proposed solution, target market, business model, and real-world impact. Full details and materials are shared during the June workshop sessions.
What do winning teams receive?
Top teams receive prize funding, professional mentorship from industry leaders, and ongoing connections to help launch their venture beyond the competition stage.
Is registration free?
Yes. Registration is completely free and open to all eligible high school students worldwide. There are no entry fees at any stage of the competition.